Review: Toyota T230 Celica (1999-05)

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• Free-revving 1.8-litre 2ZZ-GE engine
• Satisfying six-speed manual transmission operation
• Impressive dynamics
• Direct, precise steering
• Supportive front seats
• High standard of fit and finish

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• Short-travel suspension lacks compliance
• Rear-end upset by mid-corner bumps
• Engine lacks power below 3000 rpm
• Automatic transmission unsuited to engine’s peaky power delivery
• Brakes lack progressive feel

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Review: Toyota T230.I Celica (1999-02)

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Overview

Released in November 1999, the Toyota T230 Series I (T230.I) Celica was a three-door liftback with two-plus-two seating. Manufactured in Aichi, Japan, the front-wheel drive Celica was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

2ZZ-GE engine

Co-developed with Yamaha, the 1.8-litre 2ZZ-GE engine had a cast aluminium alloy block with Metal Matrix Reinforced (MMR) cylinder walls, iron- and tin-coated flat-topped pistons, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing with two-step variable valve lift control (‘VVTL-i’) and a compression ratio of 11.5:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Toyota T200 Celica , the T230 Celica was 90 mm shorter (at 4335 mm), 15 mm narrower (1735 mm), 10 mm taller (1315 mm) and had a 65 mm longer wheelbase (2600 mm). Furthermore, the Celica was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Toyota T230.I Celica included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Celica ZR was further equipped with front side airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution.

Brakes

The Toyota T230 Celica had 275 mm by 25 mm vented front brake discs and 269 mm by 9 mm solid rear discs.

Features: Celica SX

Standard features for the Toyota Celica SX included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, contoured sports seats, cruise control, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows and an immobiliser. Models with automatic transmissions also featured steering wheel gearshift buttons.

Features: Celica ZR

The Celica ZR was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels with stiffer suspension, power sunroof, front fog lights, drilled metal pedals, rear spoiler and rear windscreen wiper.

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota T230.I Celica (November 1999)

Review: Toyota T230.II Celica (2002-05)

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Overview

Released in October 2002, the T230 Series II (T230.II) Celica introduced upgraded suspension and subtle cosmetic updates. The T230.II Celica’s suspension featured improved piston and base valves, while the hydraulics within the linear-control valve dampers were also upgraded to improve steering, ride and handling

The Toyota T230.II Celica could be identified by its more aggressive front bumper and mesh grille, rear garnish and rear combination lights. Inside, there was a new interior colour (Dark Grey), new seat trims, colour changes, a redesigned combination meter and new heater-control knobs. For SX variants, the seats had silver/grey side panels and bolsters; ZR variants had red side panels and bolsters. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features

Compared to its T230.I predecessor, standard features for the T230.II Celica were extended to include a six speaker Fujitsu audio system; vehicular security was also improved with a ten-tumbler key and key cylinder. The Celica ZR was also fitted with a six-stack CD player and a glass moonroof.

2004 Celica TTR (Toyota Team Racing)

In March 2004, limited-run ‘TTR’ (Toyota Team Racing) variants were released. Based on the SX, the TTR variants were fitted with ABS and distinguished by their front fog lamps, TTR emblems, ‘high grade’ interior trim, faux aluminium pedals and scuff plates.

Related links

• Press Release: Toyota T230.II Celica (October 2002)
• Press Release: Toyota T230.II Celica TTR Limited Edition (April 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: Toyota T230 Celica